Hunter Biden told the BBC that the presidential pardon granted by his father, Joe Biden, was unfair and damaging to America, the Constitution and his father’s legacy, although he remains grateful for it. He said he understood the criticism but believed his father acted from concern that he would be targeted under Donald Trump’s incoming administration.

Joe Biden issued a full and unconditional pardon in December 2024, covering Hunter Biden’s gun conviction, tax case and potential federal offences between 2014 and 2024, despite earlier saying he would not intervene. Hunter Biden also described the severity of his past addiction and said his father’s cancer had spread to his bones and beyond, causing significant pain and debilitation.